This report follows two previous editions of the Canadian Interactive Industry Profiles released in 2006 and 2008 but proposes a revised methodology that includes a more narrowed definition of the digital media industry to provide more of a focus on companies creating true “rich interactive experiences” (in terms of content creation) and those that supply services that directly enable other firms to create those experiences.

Covering all Canadian regions and comprising data collected from big, medium and small companies through a national survey, this report provides an extensive view of Canada`s IDM industry. In addition to the key economic indicators found in the first chapter, this study also includes a chapter on human resources, training and skill gaps that can currently be observed in the IDM sector. Finally, the report provides a future outlook for Canada’s IDM industry.

Interactive digital media companies in Canada appear to be poised for growth in the year or two following the report. Just over 80% of companies project at least 10% growth in revenue over the following 12-24 months and more than half (56%) project revenue growth of 25% or more over the same period. At the same time, there are a number of barriers that could hinder future growth. Core IDM companies in Canada indicated that a seeming lack of affordable capital is the most significant limiting factor for company growth in the industry, followed by the availability of management and sales expertise and the availability of skilled labour in general.

Key findings from the report:

Canadian IDM companies employed 26,700 full-time equivalents (FTE)

Almost 57% of revenues generated in 2011 were directly related to export sales.

Canada`s interactive digital media industry is concentrated in Ontario, British Columbia and Québec.

From 2008 to 2011, the total revenues generated by the industry grew by a yearly average rate of 17%

$3.8 billion in total gross annual revenue was generated by these companies, with$2.5 billion directly attributed to IDM production

Games products produced the largest amount of revenue for core IDM companies in Canada (about 43% of total revenues for 2011)

Mobile devices were the most targeted platform, with 75% of companies creating core IDM products for mobile platforms

The CIIP was commissioned by the CIAIC and created by Nordicity, with funding from the Cultural Human Resources Council, Canada Media Fund (CMF), Canadian Heritage, and the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC).

Producers of the Canadian Videogame Awards (CVAs) announced today that the fifth edition will take place in April 2014 in Toronto, Ontario. This national award show celebrates excellence in Canadian-made video games and has been held in Vancouver for the past four years. At a launch reception held today at the Drake Hotel, organizers announced that the show would move east for the first time in 2014.

"This is a truly Canadian show, celebrating the exceptional talent in our country, and from the beginning we have said we would like to hold the CVAs in cities across Canada. We are excited to be in Toronto for the 2014 show," said Gregory Spievak, CEO of Reboot Communications and co-founder of the Canadian Videogame Awards. "We have developed wonderful relationships with studios across the country and are delighted with the warm welcome Toronto has given us so far," he added.

"So many incredible video games are made in this country every year, and we'd like Canadians to recognize that," said Victor Lucas, co-host and executive producer of The Electric Playground and Reviews on the Run, and CVA co-founder. "As the third largest developer of video games in the world, this show celebrates Canada's place as a world leader in this industry."

Industry leaders, government officials, sponsors and media gathered at the Drake to celebrate the announcement.

"The CVAs let all Canadians join in the celebration of a domestic industry which is producing some of the best video games in the world," said Jayson Hilchie, President & CEO of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. "The creativity and innovation in the Canadian video game industry is astounding and truly worthy of recognition," he added.

"We're excited to once again have Future Shop present the Canadian Videogame Awards next year in the vibrant city of Toronto," said Mike Saby, Director of Gaming, Future Shop. "Heading into our third year as title sponsor, we're thrilled with the growth of the show that celebrates made in Canada videogames and the gaming industry."

Award nominations will open in late November, with the show taking place in April of 2014 as developers, publishers and industry leaders from across Canada will convene in Toronto to recognize the outstanding Canadian achievements of 2013. For the past four years the CVAs have been broadcast nationally by Rogers on Citytv and G4.

The Canadian Videogame Awards are produced by Reboot Communications and Greedy Productions and officially endorsed by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, Interactive Ontario and DigiBC. The producers are joined by a national advisory board of developers and leaders in the Canadian digital entertainment industry.

Game On 2.0 is considered the world's largest celebration of video games. Running until September 2, 2013 the Ontario Science Centre hosts this unique exhibit dedicated to video game entertainment and technology. Spanning more than 60 years of history, on display will be everything from pinball and arcade machines, to classic consoles and beyond.

Silicon Alley is an indie gaming showcase being held as part of the ConBravo! convention from July 26-28. Located in Hamilton, Ontario the gaming showcase is both for fans and developers. Interested developers can demonstrate their games and even sell merchandise. The showcase application can be found here.

EdTech Innovation is a national conference, hosted by Athabasca University in Calgary, May 1 -3, 2013, bringing together startups, researchers, and technology purchasers and venture capitalists. The conference will profile innovative research being conducted in Canadian universities as well as startups that are developing new technologies, products, and services. Connecting researchers with startups will enable new forms of innovation and partnership opportunities in growing Canada’s educational ecosystem. We expect 200 attendees for this event. An open trade show will be available the general public to see new educational tools and techniques.